Vertical distribution of tintinnids and associated microplankton in the upper layer of the Barents Sea.

BOLTOVSKOY DEMETRIO; VIVEQUIN SANDRA; SWANBERG NEIL

SARSIA

University of Bergen, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen

Lugar: Bergen; Año: 1991 vol. 76 p. 141 - 151

0036-4827

In 61 samples collected in August 1988 in the upper 50 m of the Barents Sea the vertical distribution of chlorophyll a, dinoflagellates, tintinnids, microcrustaceans and fecal pellets did not show clear associations with the physical vertical structure of the waters involved. Tintinnid concentrations ranged between <1 and 314 ind./l, with an average of 46 ind./l for the 0-50 m layer. Mean organic carbon estimated per individual ranged from 1200 pg for the smallest tintinnid species, to 14,000 for the largest one, yielding an average of 0.33 ug C/l (max.: 2.1 ug C/l). At this time of the year tintinnids may consume 0.16 to 5% (mean: 1.4%) of total primary production. Tintinnid size was positively correlated with chlorophyll a concentrations, suggesting that food availability enhances lorica growth. In total, 9 tintinnid species were recorded; however, only 3 of these (Acanthostomella norvegica, Ptychocylis obtusa, and Parafavella denticulata) accounted for almost 90% of all the individuals.